White City

It’s still dark, though most people are beginning their day around this time, rather than ending it. So what if it’s nearing 5:00 a.m., you’re more concerned about getting something decent to eat before retiring.  White City took a look at the options for late night eats in Belgrade.  The only criteria is that it had to be open 24 hours, had to have table service and had to offer more than just the usual grill.

Hotel Royal

Perhaps not so royal anymore, the restaurant at the Hotel Royal is a Belgrade institution offering a wide array of good Serbian fare at all hours and at reasonable prices.  Also good palacinke and of course full bar offerings to continue your evening.  The small, window-less dining room on the main floor is usually a popular place in the early hours of the weekend.  The crowd at this hour could usually be described as young and drunk but patrons will also include pensioners nursing a beer, often alone.  The service is always friendly, though not always efficient.  Two ćobras, small ćevap, sarma and two gasses of wine with bread set us back an affordable 1,100 Dinars.  If cigarette smoke bothers you, this place is not for you.  You only want to use the toilets if it’s an emergency.

Sarajevski Cevap

Located conveniently at Cara Dušana 131, this is a popular place to go after a night in Dorćol. They claim to offer true Bosnian ćevap, though the difference probably isn’t that obvious.  A small ćevap (5) will run you 170 Dinars, while a large (10) will cost 350 Dinars.  Although they have other grill available, White City didn’t notice anyone eating anything other than ćevap.  The place also has draft beer at 100 or 130 Dinars.  Sometimes they have wine by the glass, but they never have coffee.  Which is ok, because most people come here just for the food.  A varied clientele, Sarajevski Ćevap offers consistently good ćevap without the bells and whistles.  Call in advance and they’ll have it ready for take-out when you arrive.

Duff

With locations in Konjarnik, New Belgrade, Žarkova and their main location at Autokomanda, Duff pioneered the late night grill concept. White City visited their Autokomanda location which can be described as ‘rustic’ and is probably due for a renovation.  They do have a coffee machine but just like the restaurants that are not operating 24 hours, the last call for coffee is at 11:00 p.m. — which sort of defeats the whole purpose of having coffee available at a 24 hour restaurant.  Though they advertise themselves as a ‘Grill Pub,’ — whatever that means — Duff also has a good selection of salads and they serve ice cream, though just  how many people are ordering ice cream at 3:00 a.m. is a mystery.  A pljeskavica will run you a modest 155 Dinars while a small ćevap will cost you 160 Dinars.  Unlike Orao, they have the same menu and same prices in the restaurant as they do for take-away.

Orao

Originally began as a pizza take-away, Orao offers Serbian fare, Italian food and a very good selection of salads.  Their location at Bulevar Despota Stefana has a good terrace which is always popular in the summer with lots of tables, while a free table inside can be difficult to find on a winter’s weekend.  Staff are efficient, though not always friendly.  The crowd varies from students to the nouveau-riche but are always well-behaved.  Though not as affordable as the other options, it’s a much calmer place to eat at 4:00 a.m.  Orao also has a second location on Kralja Aleksandra.